When one could assume, &ME entered the House and Techno world somewhat out of the blue, it is due to his sublime modesty that’s already captured in his alias. His way to become one of today’s most praised and sought after DJ/producers is based on a solid foundation. A foundation comprised of solo-releases, remixes, projects and collaborations that numerous, we’d rather refer to his discography than weary you with namedropping. Besides, all those references would just distract from what truly matters – the music this guy is delivering. Not to underestimate the importance of a project such as Terranova for &ME’s current path, but still the alignment has been made – to focus consistently on his solo-work. And it shows.

There are not many artists around turning in such a slew of globally praised floormaterial like &ME did over the last years. Just think of his last offerings on Keinemusik, a collective of Berlin based DJs and producers, including Rampa, Adam Port, Reznik & artist Monja Gentschow, he helped founding in 2009, namely “After Dark” and “Woods” or his “Vermillion”-remix for Damian Lazarus – all serious bangers, played by every renowned DJ worldwide. Everything is falling into place for the fella. His DIY-approach to handle things, his easy going attitude, his reputation as a gifted producer and DJ extraordinaire, his ability to link innovative production with consensual reception, making him one of the most unique and original figures in the game.

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From 2009 on, Rampa made a name of himself through Keinemusik, his own little d.i.y.-cosmos, being not only label, but also crew of likeminded DJs, producers and friends. The teamwork within this realm has seen a serious number of productions and collaborations, particularly with fellow producer &ME, not to forget the rest of the bunch, Adam Port, Reznik and Monja.

Besides, he’s got an array of other collaborations and releases under his belt, put out on imprints like Cocoon, Innervisions, Strictly Rhythm, Kompakt, 2020 Vision, Freerange, Bpitch Control, Diynamic or Crosstown Rebels.

The events of the last few years have seen Rampa focussing more and more on the production side of things, be it studio work or the inauguration of his TEILE project – his own company to produce and distribute analogue effects, custom built for DJ-purposes. Certainly also an outlet for a slight nerdism, that includes not only studio gear, but instruments in general. Chances are you’ll find him in the studio, swinging the drumstick or banging on some bongos. When it comes to DJing itself, he is going for a less is more approach these days, choosing bookings and playing more consciously.

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Techno’s biggest flaw is its self-referencial tendency. You know the deal, the common contemporary DJ/Producer steals an Underground Resistance-Record from his older brother at the age of 16 (biographical details may vary, not to impair the facts, though), thus presuming to have found the holy grail (what, of course, nobody is claiming to deny). His world is shrinking down to Detroit, Chicago, New York and Berlin within the following years, he’ll equip himself with records and turntables and not look over the rim of his MKII ever again.

Adam Ports biography is different. Adam was Hardcore, when he was 16. No, not Rotterdam-Hardcore. We’re talking New York-, Boston- and Washington D.C.-Hardcore here. It’s a past that he still lives up to, cultivating it in his vegetarian-straight-edge-lifestyle. After that there was HipHop. He got in touch with turntablism, discovered his love for vinyl and evolved to be a skilled DJ for the first time. Then, finally came Techno.

This way of tracing down spaces, giving one the best possible chance of self-development, is the essential reason for Ports presence being so unique. There’s no scene-dictated tunnel view in his activities, there is only a pointed emphasis on style, on groove and sophistication. An emphasis, that, because it’s informed by Dub, Danchall, Rap, Soul or even Psychedelic Rock, is advanced enough to always shine through the inflationary characteristic of the genre as notably original. That applies to both, his productions and his DJ-sets. What Adam Port is laying his hands on might have its place within the parameters of House and Techno, but it’s always more than that. It’s his style.